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Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 - Women's Review

This softer take on a super shoe lacks stability at slower speeds, but will help you crush your PRS if its fit feels comfortable
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Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 - Women's Review (For a strong rolling sensation, check out the updates to the Endorphin Pro.)
For a strong rolling sensation, check out the updates to the Endorphin Pro.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Price:  $225 List
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Manufacturer:   Saucony
By Ally Arcuri ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Nov 3, 2024
70
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#17 of 29
  • Landing Comfort - 30% 7.0
  • Responsiveness - 20% 8.5
  • Stability - 15% 5.0
  • Upper Comfort - 15% 6.0
  • Weight - 15% 7.8
  • Traction - 5% 7.0
Length Sizing
Runs Small
Runs Large
Width Sizing
Runs Narrow
Runs Wide

Our Verdict

The updated Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 is a slightly softer take on a super shoe. With an embedded carbon plate, a weight of only 6.13 ounces per women's size 6.5, and an aggressive rocker, this shoe is ready to tackle speedy workouts with you. Its rocker and heel stack, which sits at 38 mm, feel aggressive and cause a bit of compression toward the forefoot. A few minor comfort issues aside, this is a pretty good option for runners who are ready to try a true racing shoe. A daily trainer, it is not, but it makes a solid addition to any runner's shoe collection.
REASONS TO BUY
Speedy
Strong landing comfort
Feels propulsive
REASONS TO AVOID
Imposing rocker
Crowded toe box
Expensive
Lacks stability

Compare to Similar Products

 
Awards  Top Pick Award
Most Race Ready Road Running Shoe
Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Running Shoe for Women
Best Buy Award
Best Value for a Women's Road Running Shoe
Top Pick Award
Best Balance of Comfort and Responsiveness
Price $223.95 at Amazon
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$249.99 at Dick's Sporting Goods
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$120.93 at REI
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$89.95 at Amazon
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$179.99 at Dick's Sporting Goods
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Overall Score Sort Icon
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Star Rating
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Bottom Line This less intense version of a super shoe offers a unique fit, which will serve some runners better than othersThis shoe provides the ultimate power and pep thanks to its natural-feeling rocker, trampoline-style midsole, and aerodynamic shapeThis running shoe offers the performance technology and comfort needed to be your go-to shoe, no matter your running goalsAffordable and minimally-minded, the updated Kinvara is a great everyday shoe that is suitable for a myriad of running situationsThough it lacks the lightweight tech of super shoes, the balance between its responsive midsole and lateral stability makes this a powerful everyday trainer
Rating Categories Saucony Endorphin P... Asics Metaspeed Sky... Asics Novablast 4 -... Saucony Kinvara 15... Brooks Hyperion Max...
Landing Comfort (30%)
7.0
8.0
9.0
7.5
7.5
Responsiveness (20%)
8.5
9.0
7.5
7.5
8.0
Stability (15%)
5.0
7.0
8.0
7.0
8.0
Upper Comfort (15%)
6.0
6.5
8.0
6.5
8.0
Weight (15%)
7.8
9.8
5.4
9.1
5.8
Traction (5%)
7.0
4.0
6.0
7.0
5.0
Specs Saucony Endorphin P... Asics Metaspeed Sky... Asics Novablast 4 -... Saucony Kinvara 15... Brooks Hyperion Max...
Measured Weight 6.13 oz 5.10 oz 7.36 oz 5.44 oz 7.17 oz
Measured Heel Stack Height 38 mm 38 mm 38 mm 27 mm 35 mm
Measured Heel-to-Toe Drop 9 mm 6 mm 8 mm 3 mm 8 mm
Plate Type Carbon Carbon None None Full length plastic
Rocker Angle 24.5 deg 26.5 deg 22.0 deg 25.0 deg 24.5 deg
Rocker Apex Location 65.4% 68.0% 69.5% 64.7% 65.0%
Style Racing Racing Daily Trainer Daily Trainer Daily Trainer
Upper Engineered mesh Motion Wrap 2.0 mesh Engineered knit mesh Mesh Mesh
Midsole PWRRUN PB/PWRRUN HG FF Turbo Plus FF Blast Plus Eco PWRRUN DNA Flash v2
Outsole Rubber AsicsGrip rubber AHAR outsole Rubber Rubber
Heel Tab Type None None Finger loop None Extended heel pull
Sizes Available 5 - 12 US, regular 5 - 14.5 US,
regular
5 - 12 US, regular 5 - 12 US,
regular
5 - 12 US,
regular

Our Analysis and Test Results

While the fit of the Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 may feel slightly unnatural, its performance benefits are undeniable. This 9 mm drop, lightweight, plated road shoe could be the key to unlocking your elusive PRs.

Performance Comparison


saucony endorphin pro 4 for women - while the overall upper comfort of the endorphin pro isn't our...
While the overall upper comfort of the Endorphin Pro isn't our favorite, it has the other elements needed to lay down epically fast miles.
Credit: Ally Arcuri

Landing Comfort


The Endorphin Pro 4 has a heel stack of 38 mm and a 9 mm drop. Though this is rather standard in the world of racing shoes, the configuration of this shoe's undercarriage feels more extreme than others.

The epic rocker of this shoe provides a prominent rolling sensation.
Credit: Ally Arcuri

When moving at slower paces, the heel stack feels high and kind of off-kilter, which we will discuss more in the stability metric. The PWRRUN PB/PWRRUN HG midsole provides the snap and energy return we seek in a racing shoe without compromising underfoot comfort. If you loved the previous iteration of the Endorphin, know that the landing pad of this one feels a bit different. The additional layers Saucony stuffed into the midsole feel a bit more rigid underfoot, but they combine well with the rocker to create inherent speed.

saucony endorphin pro 4 for women - the precisely layered midsole helps create a launchpad that is...
The precisely layered midsole helps create a launchpad that is perfect for shorter, speedier races.
Credit: Ally Arcuri

Responsiveness


Saucony set out to make a racing shoe with the Endorphin Pro, and they certainly succeeded. While it doesn't top the chart when placed head-to-head with some of the other super shoes on the market, it holds its own.

Shoe Responsiveness Over Varying Effort Levels
ProductEasy (Recovery)Moderate (Marathon)Threshold (10K)Fast (5K)
Best34.555
Saucony Endorphin Pro 4354.54.5
Average3.33.32.82.7
Worst2211
While certain elements of the Endorphin Pro sabotaged its overall score, its responsiveness and racing power are undeniable.

In fact, the responsiveness ride that the Endorphin Pro offers might suit some runners better than comparative options by Nike and Puma. Let's get into it.

saucony endorphin pro 4 for women - the midsole and rocker of the endorphin pro help make it one of the...
The midsole and rocker of the Endorphin Pro help make it one of the most responsive road shoes in our lineup.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

The rocker of the updated Endorphin Pro is wildly aggressive. We measured it at 24.5 degrees, with the apex just 65.4% forward from the heel — among the most aggressive rockers we've tested. This comes together to create the sensation of your feet being pushed toward the front of the shoe as your paces heat up. The updated layering in the midsole provides a strong snap as you bound through your strides.

What Did Our Mens' Testing Team Think?


On the men's side, the Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 scored slightly higher than our female testers ranked it. While both teams agree that this is a high-tech shoe, the men's team found the Endorphin Pro to be more balanced and responsive overall. We suspect these differences relate to the slight learning curve associated with this shoe coupled with differences in gait patterns between genders and testers.

This new style of underfoot technology feels super propulsive once you start pushing your paces. We do not recommend the Endorphin Pro to runners needing mellow distance shoes. The slightly uncomfortable features and rigid technology make this a great racing shoe for shorter races.

saucony endorphin pro 4 for women - the shape of this shoe does not lend itself well to mellow miles. if...
The shape of this shoe does not lend itself well to mellow miles. If you are looking for a shoe for your recovery runs, this is definitely not going to be it.
Credit: Ally Arcuri

Stability


The stability feels all wrong when moving slowly in the Endorphin Pro. Even on slightly slanted roads and sidewalks, these shoes almost make you feel like you will slide right off them. When taken on straightaways and level curves, though, the stability feels decent. The lateral edges of the Pro are more built than those on most racing shoes, but the thin mesh of the lateral midfoot is too stretchy to provide much support. After careful consideration and a few somewhat dangerous maneuvers, we found the Endorphin Pro to be more stable than it originally presented. It stays with you as you power around corners without imposing upon your gait. We don't recommend this shoe as a stable super shoe, but it is worth checking out.

saucony endorphin pro 4 for women - the security of the heel cup helps you fly around curves in the...
The security of the heel cup helps you fly around curves in the Endorphin Pro. The upper mesh, however, does not provide much security across your upper forefoot.
Credit: Ally Arcuri

Upper Comfort


As we mentioned, the aggressive rocker of the Endorphin Pro 4 feels like it forces your foot slightly forward, pressing your toes against the front edge of the shoe. The overall upper engineered mesh is very stretchy, which doesn't do a lot to hold your feet in place. The stretchy tongue is comfortable even without any cushion.

saucony endorphin pro 4 for women - we pick apart each element of the shoes we test so that we can...
We pick apart each element of the shoes we test so that we can accurately compare them to their competitors.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

We had a bit of trouble getting the lace bed tamped down properly. The stretch of the upper textile prevented the usual snugness we prefer. We threaded the laces through the additional eyelet to rectify this, but that didn't help us find a midfoot lockdown. Instead, the tension of the laces dug into our ankle joint, and the midfoot felt floppy. The bootie-like fit allowed us to run in moderate comfort, but this wasn't our favorite fit. If you find that the upper creates a fit you like, then the mesh and breathability will definitely keep you comfortable.

saucony endorphin pro 4 for women - the stretchy upper is super accommodating, but we did have trouble...
The stretchy upper is super accommodating, but we did have trouble finding a comfortable way to lock down the laces for prime performance.
Credit: Ally Arcuri

Weight


The 6.13 ounces of the Endorphin Pro feels incredibly light underfoot. The comfortable underfoot stack feels nearly weightless. There are a few super shoes that weigh an ounce to an ounce and a half less, but the underfoot foam of this one makes it worth it. We think the weight of the Endorphin Pro shouldn't sway your decision in either direction.

saucony endorphin pro 4 for women - the endorphin pro is lightweight and feels that way when strapped to...
The Endorphin Pro is lightweight and feels that way when strapped to your feet.
Credit: Ally Arcuri

Traction


The traction of this shoe is well-configured, with concentrated patterning at the forefoot. When running at high speeds, it keeps you firmly on the ground thanks to the agility-centered location of the patterning. The high-functioning traction helps provide some of the support that the meshy upper lacks, allowing this shoe to score slightly higher than anticipated.

saucony endorphin pro 4 for women - the forefoot patterning is varied enough for strong traction, but it...
The forefoot patterning is varied enough for strong traction, but it feels slightly imbalanced when combined with this shoe's slightly wobbly stability.
Credit: Ally Arcuri

Should You Buy the Saucony Endorphin Pro 4?


We enjoyed our runs in the Endorphin Pro and think you probably will, too. It is not our favorite super shoe or racing option, but runners seeking a more approachable super shoe option might enjoy the sensation. It is expensive, though not out of the realm of typical when it comes to racing shoes. If left to our devices, we would probably spend our money on a different racing shoe, but the Endorphin Pro might offer what you want. If it does, its responsiveness is worth the price.

saucony endorphin pro 4 for women - the endorphin pro might not be our top super shoe recommendation...
The Endorphin Pro might not be our top super shoe recommendation, but it has plenty of solid attributes that will appeal to many runners.
Credit: Ally Arcuri

What Other Road Running Shoes Should You Consider?


The Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 is similar but scored higher across our metrics. The Speed has a softer crash pad, a minutely-less-responsive nylon plate, and a significant amount of upper comfort, making it one of our favorites for speed days. Because of these attributes, the Endorphin Speed is more equipped to act as your daily speed trainer and makes a great entry-level almost-super shoe for runners wanting speed without a true propulsion powerhouse. If a serious super shoe is, in fact, what you are after, check out the latest and greatest offerings from Nike, the Alphafly 3 and the Vaporfly 3. Alternatively, the Asics Metaspeed Sky is another powerful speed shoe that offers a kind balance of comfort and speed, similar yet slightly stripped back from what the Endorphin Speed offers.

Ally Arcuri